Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)

 

In News

Lake Naivasha in Kenya is currently facing significant economic and environmental challenges due to the invasion of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). 

About Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)

This invasive aquatic plant, native to South America, was introduced to Kenya in the 1980s and has since proliferated in various water bodies, including Lake Naivasha.

It is also known as the terror of Bengal because it is an exotic shrub which is growing at an alarming rate on the surface of water body. It inhibits the grow of fish and other aquatic organisms due to cut down of light and lack of oxygen.

Economic Impact:

The rapid spread of water hyacinth has severely affected local fishermen. Dense mats of the plant obstruct fishing routes and deplete oxygen levels in the water, leading to a decline in fish populations. Consequently, fishermen have reported a drastic reduction in daily catches—from approximately 90 kilograms to between 10 and 15 kilograms—causing their earnings to drop from $210 to $35 per day.

Environmental Impact:

Ecologically, water hyacinth poses multiple threats:

• Oxygen Depletion: The plant forms thick mats on the water's surface, blocking sunlight and reducing oxygen levels, which harms aquatic life.

• Waterway Obstruction: The dense growth impedes navigation, affecting transportation and access to fishing areas.

• Habitat Alteration: The plant's presence disrupts the natural habitat, affecting biodiversity and the ecological balance of the lake.

Control Efforts:

Various methods have been attempted to manage the water hyacinth invasion:

• Physical Removal: Manual extraction has been employed but is labor-intensive and often temporary, as the plant can quickly regrow.

• Biological Control: Introducing natural predators, such as certain weevil species, has been explored to curb the plant's growth.

• Utilization Initiatives: Innovative approaches aim to convert water hyacinth into useful products. For instance, the Kenyan start-up HyaPak collaborates with local fishermen to harvest the plant and transform it into biodegradable packaging materials. While promising, scaling up such solutions remains a challenge.

  
  

A 2023 study estimated that the water hyacinth invasion has cost Kenya's fishing, transport, and tourism sectors between $150 million and $350 million annually.

This situation highlights the broader implications of invasive species on ecosystems and human livelihoods, emphasizing the need for sustainable management practices and continued research to mitigate such environmental challenges.